Z-26 Coupe

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Review

1996
Chevrolet
Beretta Review

Small and peppy, but fails to impressive.

Reviewed by Automotive on
8/2/1996

Overview

The 1996 Chevrolet Beretta is a two-door coupe that is available as either a base or a Z26 model. It features speed and an attractive style that is sure to turn a few heads. An optional six-cylinder engine and a solid suspension make it a fun car to drive. Although it provides drivers with strong acceleration and excellent handling, 1996 is the last year Chevrolet manufactured the Beretta.

What's New

The 1996 Chevrolet Beretta gets a new engine with long-life coolant.

Exterior

The 1996 Chevrolet Beretta measures 187 inches long, 68 inches wide, 53 inches tall, and its wheelbase is 103 inches. The base coupe comes with standard features, such as 14-inch wheels and tinted glass with the option of adding a sunroof and a rear spoiler. The Z26, however, gets 15-inch wheels, intermittent windshield wipers, as well as tinted glass. Options also come with a sunroof. The Beretta has a sporty design with a body-colored bumper and fender that appeals more to younger folks.

Interior

Inside, the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta has room for five passengers. Adult passengers may feel a bit cramped in the rear. The bucket seats are trimmed with cloth and they include height-adjustable head restraints. In between the front seats are an armrest and a covered storage console. Cup holders are available for two drinks. Furthermore, there is a 60/40-split folding seat.

Performance & Handling

The 1996 Chevrolet Beretta base model comes packed with a choice of a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 3.1-liter, six-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder option produces 120 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque, while the six-cylinder cranks out 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The 1996 Beretta is available with a three- or four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The Z26 model has the six-cylinder engine teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Beretta is built with an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar. Both models handle well on the highway and on curvy country roads.

Safety

The 1996 Chevrolet Beretta comes equipped with anti-lock brakes on either two or four wheels, driver front-impact airbag, and automatic seat belts in the front. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) have not preformed crash tests.